News Releases

EPA seeks D.C.-area seventh graders for summer program

(PHILADELPHIA, March 2, 2011) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is accepting applications for current seventh-grade students in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area to participate in a unique six-week summer environmental education program.

Schools may nominate up to three seventh-grade students to participate in the 2011 Student Environmental Development Program, which focuses on environmental education, leadership development, and college preparation. Parents or guardians may submit applications on their own, but all applicants must have a recommendation from the student’s school.

EPA will select participants based on the student’s academic achievements, attendance, conduct, and interest in math, science, human health, and the environment. The program runs Wednesday, July 6 through Friday, Aug. 19. Classes will be Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the George Washington University campus. Hours are extended on days when there are field trips.

Applications and more information are available at http://www.epa.gov/Region3/ee/sedp.htm. They must be postmarked by Earth Day, April 22, and EPA will announce selections by May 10. Please do not submit applications for students with scheduling conflicts. Students can miss no more than two days of class.

The program focuses on teaching students about environmental issues and helps them develop communications and leadership skills. It also includes several field trips, and culminates with teams of students creating skits about environmental or health-related topics.